Philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who invested so much into learning, would surely be impressed by a high-tech game being rolled out across Scottish schools. The educational computer game, blending century-old sound clips with new graphics to chart Carnegie’s life, has been created by Abertay University graduates. Included in The Legacy is a digital version his birthplace in Dunfermline and the chance to catch rats aboard the ship which took his family to America. Aimed at high school pupils from first to third year, the unique learning tool features genuine sound clips recorded in factories in the early 1900s. It will be piloted across six schools and could be released internationally. It has been created by Orthrus Studios, a team of university graduates. Starting life as a third year project, it is now hoped the finished article could become part of the national curriculum. Orthrus’s Oliver Smith said financial backing from the Carnegie Birthplace Museum Trust, the Carnegie UK Trust and the Hunter Foundation had allowed the ambitious project to become a reality. “The game is going to be used in conjunction with a module of learning that’s being rolled out in high schools across Scotland, and they are aiming to go international with it. “It is to help teach people about the life and legacy of Andrew Carnegie,” he said. The finished game begins in Carnegie’s birthplace cottage, which is now a museum, and takes in the world’s first Carnegie Library – now part of the award winning Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries – and trading ship the SV Wiscasset. In the project, supported by Abertay Computer Arts lecturer Lynn Parker, players can solve puzzles in factories, learn about looms, decipher telegrams and morse code and steel production. Oliver said it allowed players to explore areas relevant to Carnegie. They play as a character called Sam from the year 3000 – somehow information about the steel magnate has been lost and Sam travels back in time to find it. A prototype has been trialled at Dunfermline High School and at Castlebrae Community High in Edinburgh. Teachers have asked that the game, working on almost every platform, be included as an integral part of the module. It has an editor tool where teachers and pupils can created their own levels based on pieces of Carnegie’s history. “It’s all about making the player feel involved and like you can actually be there,” Oliver said. The Legacy is available through the Carnegie Birthplace Museum website.

From a bagpipe-playing robot to famous dinosaur bones all have had the Carnegie touch. They are just part of a major exhibition that opened at the Scottish Parliament exploring the Dunfermline-born philanthropist’s legacy which “changed the world”. It showcases how the beliefs and actions of one man resulted in an internation allegacy of philanthropy and explains how the weaver’s son’s bequest to the world continues to shape the 21st Century. Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick said Andrew Carnegie’s life was a real rags-to-riches story, which was interesting in itself. “Perhaps more interesting, however, is how he used his vast wealth to improve society and encourage philanthropy. “From establishing libraries to supporting education, scientific research and the arts, Carnegie’s legacy has touched many people from all walks of life and thisfascinating exhibition captures that and demonstrates the power of an individual to make a positive impact on society,” she said. Included in the exhibition, which runs until January 25 in the main hall at the parliament, is McBlare, a robot designed by Professor Roger Dannenberg at Carnegie Mellon University, which can play the bagpipes faster than a human being, andpuppets from Sesame Tree, a version of Sesame Street made in Northern Ireland by SixteenSouth Television and Sesame Workshop. Sesame Workshop has a remit to build the Sesame model for respect and understanding across the sectarian divide. There are also illustrations of the Peace Palace in the Hague, which Carnegie donated $1.5 million to build, and a photograph of Carnegie University by Washington astronomer Vera Rubin, whose research resulted in the theory that around 90% of the universe is invisible to us. Then there is diplodocus carnegii. In 1898, Carnegie heard about an expedition uncovering the bones of a giant dinosaur. He tasked WJ Holland, director of his new museum in Pittsburgh, with acquiring it, which Holland did after extensive negotiations. The fossilised bones are still on display today at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh. This exhibition was made possible due to the support of the Carnegie Corporation of New York and was created by a partnership between Carnegie Dunfermline Trust, Carnegie Birthplace Museum and the Scottish Parliament. Given Carnegie’s dedication in later life to giving away his fortune, Carnegie Dunfermline Trust chief executive Nora Rundell said it was hardly surprising, therefore, to see the extent to which his legacy continued to influence today’s world. “From cutting edge science to art to educational establishments, Andrew Carnegie continues to provide support to people seeking to improve the lives of others. “This exhibition, the associated seminars and medal of philanthropy ceremony this week will hopefully inspire others to follow in his footsteps. He would like that.” For further information, go to www.scottish.parliament.uk/carnegie.

A collection of caskets presented to Andrew Carnegie in recognition of his philanthropy is on display in his home town. During his life Dunfermline-born Carnegie gifted swimming baths, public libraries, schools, colleges and other institutions to benefit the public. In return he was often given the freedom of towns and cities. Frequently the accolade came with a distinctive casket, some in precious metals, and often adorned with images pertinent to Carnegie or his gift, or sometimes shaped in the style of the building he had funded. Their presentation became an opportunity for grand spectacle and festivity in Victorian Britain. The collection of 56 presentation caskets has been in the care of the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum since it was opened in 1928 by his wife, Louise. Now they will take centre stage in a free exhibition in the birthplace museum. This is the first time in more than 80 years the public will be able to see all 56 caskets together and learn about the stories behind them. Carnegie Treasures opens today in celebration of Carnegie’s influence across the British Isles. Birthplace Museum convener Angus Hogg said: “Just as Carnegie referred to them as a reminder of his responsibilities as a philanthropist, today the caskets are symbolic of the remarkable impact that he made across the British Isles and beyond. “These exquisite items reveal a wealth of fascinating stories and visitors to the exhibition may even discover their own connection to the Carnegie legacy.” VisitScotland regional partnership director Manuela Calchini added: “The Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum offers a fascinating look into the life and times of one of most famous figures in Fife’s history. “This new exhibition and book will allow visitors to delve deeper into Carnegie’s history and is a great addition to Dunfermline’s tourism offering.” The exhibition runs until November 30.

The Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum has been shortlisted for a national award. The Moodie Street museum will compete in the re-brand/re-launch of the year category of The Drum's marketing awards. Finalists One O'Clock Gun Design Consultants, who were commissioned by trustees to lead the revamp, will discover next week if they have won the votes of the judging panel of leading directors from top UK brands. The free-admission museum, which has been rated up to a four-star attraction by VisitScotland and received accreditation from Museums Galleries Scotland, has undergone a six-figure redesign to celebrate the life and legacy of Andrew Carnegie.

Queen Anne High pupil Bethany Mitchinson has won the first Carnegie Dunfermline Trust photographic competition. The trust competition, to find the best young photographer in Dunfermline, was part of a series of events to mark the 175th anniversary of Andrew Carnegie's birth. It was open to under-18s at local secondary schools and Carnegie College. As well as winning £175 for her school, Bethany gets the chance to shadow a press photographer for a day and a commission to take a photograph for the trust. Judges included architect Robin Watson, photographer Jim Payne and Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum convener Jane Livingstone. An exhibition of entries in the museum runs until November 19.

A man who was arrested on suspicion of murder after the body of a woman was found on the M20 has been released on bail.The body was discovered by police on the London-bound carriageway near Ashford at 6.05pm on Tuesday. The road was closed between junctions 9 and 10 for nearly 24 hours while the scene was investigated.Officers appealed for the driver of a silver Nissan Qashqai to come forward and a man handed himself in at a police station on Wednesday evening, Kent Police said.On Friday morning the force said the man had been released on bail until March 15.The circumstances surrounding the death of the 32-year-old from Kent remain a mystery and detectives are continuing to investigate.A post-mortem is expected to take place at midday on Friday.Police are still appealing for drivers who were on the road at the time to check their vehicles for signs of a collision, and for anyone with dash cam footage or who saw a Nissan Qashqai with the registration KY15 WWX at the time of the incident to come forward.

Police have identified the body found on the M20 as a 32-year-old woman from Kent.A man arrested on suspicion of murder remains in custody, Kent Police said on Thursday afternoon.Officers discovered the body on the London-bound carriageway near Ashford at 6.05pm on Tuesday. The road was closed between junctions 9 and 10 for nearly 24 hours while the scene was investigated.Officers initially appealed for the driver of a silver Nissan Qashqai to come forward and a man handed himself in at a police station on Wednesday evening.The incident caused hours of delays with between six and seven miles of queues stretching back to junction 11 and a diversion was in place.The road reopened shortly before 3pm on Wednesday.An accountant from Ashford told Press Association of his shock at the scene he saw while driving on to the coastbound stretch of motorway at about 6.20pm on Tuesday while emergency services were on the opposite side of the road.The 21-year-old, who asked not to be named, said: “As I entered the motorway I expected to see a crash, when I suddenly realised that it wasn’t and unfortunately it appeared to be a body lying in the central lane with police and ambulance staff around it.“Because of the torches being shone by police (I could see) it appeared that the body had been struck by vehicles.“It was very shocking. It is not a sight I would want anyone to witness.“My condolences are with the family of the deceased.”Police are still appealing for drivers who were on the road at the time to check their vehicles for signs of a collision, and for anyone with dash cam footage or who saw the Nissan Qashqai with the registration KY15 WWX at the time of the incident to come forward.

Scores of people brushed away the cobwebs to take a New Year walk into the past in Dunfermline. The town's free New Year Heritage Walk was a double celebration -- the 175th anniversary of the birth of Andrew Carnegie and the 25th anniversary of the volunteer heritage guides. It was led by Dunfermline heritage guides and among their ranks were two of the founding members -- Bert McEwan and Jack Pryde. A celebratory cake was provided, cut by chairman of the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust Bill Livingstone, Bert and Jack. As a way of getting people in the mood, in his opening welcome, Jack encouraged everyone to get behind Dunfermline in 2011 -- including the Pars in their task to regain premier football -- and to set the tone, asked everyone to raise a shout of "I love Dunfermline," which the crowd did with gusto. The revellers mustered at the Mercat Cross in the High Street before the one-hour guided tour of the town's heritage quarter. For a quarter of a century the heritage guides, complete with their signature brollies, have been offering visitors free guided tours round the local sights. Formed and administered by the trust, last year alone they conducted 681 visitors round the heritage quarter on booked and regular Sunday guided walks. The New Year Walk has become an established feature of the civic calendar, regularly attracting over 300 walkers and as many as 450 in 2007. This year the walk drew a crowd of 300, from as far away as New York State, East and West Yorkshire, Kent and Aberdeen. At the end of the walk, visitors gathered at the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum where they could see the new displays in the upgraded centre, which enjoyed a six-figure facelift in 2009, and sample the cake. A spokesman for the guides said, "We are absolutely delighted. After all the snow and ice we have had recently, it was great to see the weather being kind to us. "It is always a privilege to lead the folks around Dunfermline and re-tell the stories for the town, from Canmore to Carnegie." Photo courtesy of David Wardle.

Other exhibitions may not be a patch on the one opening in Dunfermline. For the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum is home for the next month to Remember Me?, an exhibition of unique quilts on the theme of women of Scotland. The inspiration for the exhibition comes from some of the most famous and influential woman of the country, from Mary, Queen of Scots to Carnegie's own mother Margaret. Internationally renowned artists Lorraine Sullivan, who took a City and Guilds Diploma in patchwork and quilting at Dundee College, and US-born Tina Gravatt are the women behind the exhibition, which runs until May 22. They started work on the show in the summer of 2009 with the aim of producing contemporary quilts and textiles to celebrate the achievements of Scottish women down through the centuries. Now the collection consists of around 50 works of art using hand and machine quilting methods, embroidery and applique. The museum is exhibiting 18 of the works but also included is one specially designed for the Fife show and that was inspired by a silk patchwork quilt made by Andrew Carnegie's mother. Museum convener Jane Livingstone said it was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the works of art which illustrated the often neglected area of the major influence Scottish women have had on society and history. Descendant of Margaret Carnegie, Alice Thomson said she was proud to attend the launch of the exhibition which placed the women in his life at the heart of his work and legacy.

Dundee-headquartered training provider 20/20 Business Insight has won a prestigious contract with one of the world’s leading oil and gas companies. The Broughty Ferry-based company, which also has offices in Aberdeen, London and the USA, has been awarded preferred supplier status under a master contract by BP for providing project management training globally. Ironically, the prestigious account has been won after 20/20 stepped away from its previous focus almost entirely on the oil and gas sector – adding BP to a diverse client portfolio that now includes Wood Group, Centrica, Balfour Beatty, British Aerospace, Hinckley Point, Network Rail, Diageo and Wm Grant. Chief executive officer Tony Marks, who said the new status came off the back of recent big contract wins within the nuclear power industry, added: “20|20 are delighted to have been awarded preferred supplier status under a master contract by BP for providing project management training globally. “It’s a great team performance in demonstrating our international capability and upstream oil industry experience to win this prestigious account.” 20|20 Business Insight, which employs 26 staff and had revenues of £2.84 million last year, is a full service, project management, business and leadership training and consulting company who deliver training courses and consulting services throughout the world. It is the largest independent provider of project management training courses in the UK. The consulting team work with companies to analyse competence baselines and deliver maturity assessments, design bespoke and accredited training programmes, create handbooks and manuals, implement project management procedures and protocols and then measure and report effectiveness. Mr Marks said that crucially, they had the ability to deliver internationally-accredited training and consulting anywhere in the world, primarily in oil and gas, engineering and construction, utilities, nuclear, food and drink However, despite an international outlook, they remained proud to be rooted in Dundee. “We are big fans of Dundee and supporters of the Tay Cities Deal to bring jobs, including de-commissioning, to Dundee,” he added. “When we started in 2003, we were almost exclusively in the oil and gas sector before diversifying into other sectors. We were lucky because two years ago the oil and gas sector started to decline, and accounts for around 10% of the work we do now.” Mr Marks has been involved in business for 27 years and has seen four or five cycles based on the oil barrel price changing. During that period, the level of business has come back smaller each time. “So it’s quite interesting we are back in the oil and gas sector now,” he added. He said the BP deal had been going on behind the scenes for nine months and “should mean quite a jump in business for us.” He added: “It’s not a guarantee of any level of work. But the revenue should be significant and comes off the back of other big contract wins.”